Studies show that this herb can improve your memory and sharpen your concentration. But is it the wonder herb they say it is?

Ginkgo is an extract from a tree that has been around for over 200 million years, they are not only the world’s oldest trees, they’re also one of the most common, found in many countries of the world. Their leaves have been used to make a form of herbal medicine that has been getting a lot of attention lately.

Although ginkgo has recently gained a reputation for helping memory, it has only been proven to be beneficial for improving blood circulation. Some studies suggest ginkgo may help to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, possibly because Alzheimer’s sufferers often have a less than normal amount of blood flow to the brain. Ginkgo is also known to help older people who have painful circulation problems in their legs, as well as those who have ringing in their ears or certain forms of dizziness.

Many people are taking ginkgo as a “smart drug” in the hope it will help to improve their memory or make them more alert, unfortunately most experts believe they’re out of luck. There is no evidence that ginkgo will offer any benefit to a normal, healthy brain. Even if it could, ginkgo is a herb that works slowly and must be taken in the proper dosage on a daily basis over several weeks before you would notice any real effect. Taken this way, it can have side effects. And it’s not cheap.

The amount of ginkgo you get from drinking a bottle of “energy drink” or eating a snack with added ginkgo is very small and has little or no benefit. (On the other hand, it probably won’t hurt you, either.) If you’re looking for a way to keep your mind sharp, you’re better off sticking with the tried and true: aerobic exercise, stress-reduction techniques (such as breathing exercises or yoga), a healthy diet, and plenty of sleep.

Avoid using unprocessed ginkgo products such as ginkgo tea as they contain potent ingredients related to a chemical in poison ivy and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The use of herbs is not recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding except under the guidance of a health professional.

Partners

10-Step Anti-Aging Diet Plan

Manageable 10-Step Anti-Aging Diet Plan that’s based on recommendations from leading health experts and health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association.